Reward Money Offered to Find Hit-and-Run Driver

Last Friday was the memorial service in Whittier for five-year-old Big Bear Lake resident Kushan Bhandari who lost his life in a hit and run collision on Lakeview Drive on July 30th. A vehicle described as an older model GMC or Chevy Tahoe, possibly model year 1999 or 2000, dark in color with tinted windows, struck Kushan, along with his mother and 11-year-old brother as they were crossing the street. The national WeTip organization has offered a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver of this vehicle. Those who have already presented information to Sheriff’s deputies can resubmit information, via the anonymous WeTip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or via their website at WeTip.com. Information on the driver of the SUV is also welcomed by the Sheriff’s Department, which asks that informed parties call 387-8313 with any information regarding the accident that took the life of Kushan Bhandari. According to Police Chief Garland, they have spoken to several individuals and have followed up on numerous leads but an arrest has not been made as of yet. The Village Business Association held a fundraising raffle during last week’s Friday Night in the Village event raising $1547.00 by selling raffle tickets and receiving donations. A memorial fund has also been set up at First Mountain Bank to cover medical and funeral expenses for the Bhandari family.